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FAQ

Dental Implants

What if I don’t get an implant?

If you’ve lost one or more teeth, it’s important to replace them as soon as you can. Missing teeth can impact your oral health as well as your overall physical well-being, causing problems biting, chewing, and eating properly. You also have a greater chance of developing gum disease, TMJ, crooked teeth, and other issues if you go without replacing your missing teeth.

How long do implants last?

In most cases, your artificial tooth or teeth will only last 10-15 years before it needs to be replaced due to normal wear and tear. The implant itself fuses to your jawbone and can provide a stable foundation for your replacement tooth for the rest of your life with good oral hygiene and at-home care.

Do implants hurt?

You will require a minor surgical procedure to place the implants in your jaw. Following your procedure, it’s normal to experience some pain and swelling while your mouth heals. Our team will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions and prescribed pain relievers (as needed) to help you manage any discomfort you may experience.

Are implants covered by insurance?

Many dental plans may cover a portion of your procedure. We will verify all benefits prior to treatment and help you make the most of your insurance coverage.

How much do dental implants cost?

The full cost of your implant procedure will depend on your overall treatment needs, such as the extent of restoration required to complete your smile. Our team will provide you with a complete breakdown of all costs, payment options, and financing plans during your consultation.

What are implants made out of?

Dental implants are made from titanium. We use this metal because it’s biocompatible, which means it fuses with the surrounding jawbone tissue. This can prevent or reverse the bone loss that happens when you lose one or more teeth.

Dental Cleaning

How often should I have my teeth cleaned?

You can expect to have your teeth cleaned at your dentist’s office every six months. This will reduce plaque buildup, prevent gum disease, and keep your teeth whiter by removing surface stains.

Are cleanings covered by insurance?

For most patients, yes. basic preventive care such as checkups and cleanings is covered 100% by insurance. A periodontal (or “deep”) cleaning may be covered between 50%-80%, depending on your coverage. Our team can confirm your benefits and help you understand your insurance coverage to make the most of the coverage you’re owed.

How often should I see the dentist?

Because every patient has unique treatment needs, this can depend on your overall oral health and wellness. However, the American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist every six months. This helps your dentist diagnose problems as they arise and give prompt treatment recommendations to keep your oral health on track.

Do dental cleanings hurt?

No, a teeth cleaning is generally quite painless. Patients who have periodontal (gum) disease may experience some tenderness or bleeding during their cleaning due to the health of their gums. However, our hygienists take their time to make sure you feel comfortable at every step of your cleaning appointment.

Same-day Crowns

Are same-day crowns expensive?

The total cost of your same-day crown will depend on your unique dental needs. However, because a same-day crown requires fewer visits, you can expect your overall treatment costs to be comparable if not more affordable than lab-made crowns.

Are same-day crowns just as good as lab crowns?

A custom-milled same-day crown is highly precise and durable due to the strength of the dental ceramic materials we use. While lab-made crowns from gold, stainless steel, or porcelain-fused-to-metal will last many decades, your same-day crown will look more lifelike. As long as you care for your crown just like a regular tooth, you can expect it to keep your smiling for many years to come.

How long do same-day crowns take?

The length your appointment time will vary depending on your needs, but you can expect the fabrication process of a single crown to take about 1-2 hours. Unlike traditional lab crowns, which require a number of weeks to have fabricated, a same-day crown is created and placed in just a few hours.

How do same-day crowns work?

Also known as one-visit crowns, same-day crowns are designed and created using computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology we have in our office. Your crown is designed with software using digital scans or impressions of your teeth, and then sent to a milling machine for fabrication. This means that you won’t need to worry about a temporary crown because we can create and place your final restoration in one appointment.

SureSmile

What does SureSmile fix?

SureSmile is recommended to treat a range of orthodontic conditions, including overcrowding, overbite, crossbite, underbite, irregular spacing or gaps, open bite, and crooked teeth.

How long does SureSmile take?

Every smile is different, but generally you can expect to see results within 6-8 months. Some patients complete treatment in as little as 8-12 months. Your dentist will be able to give you a complete breakdown of your treatment plan and what you can expect, including how long you will wear your aligners.

Is SureSmile covered by insurance?

In many cases, yes, SureSmile is covered by insurance. The extent of coverage depends on your individual insurance plan. Our team will file your insurance claim for you and help confirm coverage so you understand all the benefits you’re owed.

How much does SureSmile cost?

Because each case is unique and requires personalized care, the total cost of your new smile will depend on the treatment plan you and Dr. Surratt agree upon. We will discuss cost, insurance coverage, and payment plans during your consultation so you understand all your options.

Teeth Whitening

Does over-the-counter teeth whitening work?

Yes, but store-bought whitening treatments contain weaker bleaching gels than the kinds of options available at your dentist’s office. This is why over-the-counter and at-home whitening solutions take many uses over days or weeks to provide visible results. A session with Dr. Surratt can provide results that you can see right away, rather than taking weeks to gradually reveal.

Is teeth whitening safe?

Yes, teeth whitening is a very safe and effective procedure. Our peroxide-based bleaching treatments use specifically formulated ingredients that dramatically brighten your teeth without causing damage to your teeth. 

Does teeth whitening hurt?

Teeth whitening is a very comfortable procedure for most patients. That said, it’s normal to experience some temporary sensitivity in your teeth after whitening. However, Dr. Surratt takes every precaution to protect your teeth and gums, minimizing any discomfort you may feel during or after treatment. 

How much does teeth whitening cost?

As with any cosmetic procedure, your total treatment costs will depend on the extent of the care you need to achieve you best results. Our team will provide you with a complete breakdown of all costs associated with your teeth whitening treatment, as well as a list of payment and financing options for your convenience.

Emergency

What does a dentist consider to be an emergency?

A dental emergency refers to any situation that can’t wait for a regularly scheduled visit. It requires prompt attention from your dentist to treat and will not resolve on its own. We understand that you can’t always plan when you will need to see the dentist. That’s why we do everything we can to make ourselves available to patients of all ages and dental needs.

What are the most common dental emergencies?

Dental emergencies are more common than you might think. Our team can address most dental emergencies in-office, including severe toothaches, a lost crown or filling, soft tissue damage, a cracked or fractured tooth, a chipped or broken tooth, or a knocked-out tooth.

Can you see me now for a same-day emergency appointment?

Dr. Surratt and his team will do everything we can to accommodate our emergency patients with same-day appointments! We can also sometimes take walk-in patients with emergency needs and will see them as scheduling permits. In emergency cases, please always call ahead of time. This will allow a member of our team to find an available appointment, help address your immediate needs, and suggest ways to care for your smile until your appointment.

Can the ER help with a tooth?

While we understand that your first instinct may be to go to the ER, always call your dentist first. Hospital emergency rooms aren’t set up to handle dental emergencies, costing you time and money without giving you the care you need. For general dental emergencies, oral injuries, and other serious conditions, please call Grays Harbor Family Dentistry.

Grays Harbor Family Dentistry is here to make you smile.